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JARAGUA DO SUL, BRAZIL - MAY 17: Iliarde Santos weighs in during the UFC on FX weigh-in on May 17, 2013 at the Arena Jaragua in Jaragua do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Iliarde Santos

TRAINING: I train in the mornings from Monday through Saturday with a daily plan which consists of one focus per day, and of course I’m also working hard on my physical preparation.When and why did you start training for fighting? I was already in the midst of participating in martial arts competitions in jiu jitsu. In 2006 I started fighting MMA professionally. I have always been passionate about the art of fighting, always had great idols, and from then on I realized I had talent.

What ranks and titles have you held? Brazilian champion and vice world champion in jiu-jitsu, and in MMA events I have won belts in Iron Man, Iron Fight, and Gladiator Fight.

Do you have any heroes? My father and mother, who taught me to always work honestly.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It was what I was looking for since the beginning of my career. It's a dream come true, because that's where my great idols in MMA have fought. Now that I’m here, I’m looking for a world championship.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? N/A

What was your job before you started fighting? Teacher of jiu jitsu and working with my father.Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu Championships: Pará, north-northeast, Maranhao, Rio de Janeiro. Vice Champion League World Jiu Jitsu. League Champion Judo: Paraense. Boxing championships. Championships in Wrestling.

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).